Defensive dramas for Sheffield Wednesday following their latest setback

Sheffield Wednesday are in a bit of trouble at the back going into two vital games – with only two genuine centre backs definitely available for the games against Rotherham United and Wycombe Wanderers.
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The Owls have endured a tough month on the injury front, with Dominic Iorfa, Tom Lees and Izzy Brown three key players – among others – who have missed the last few games due to their respective niggles.

Now, on the back of defeats to Brentford and Luton Town, the Owls will be desperate to get a result at the New York Stadium in Wednesday night’s South Yorkshire Derby, however Garry Monk isn’t exactly spoilt for choice in terms of his back three.

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Monk did say that he was hopeful that Iorfa and/or Lees could be ready to face the Millers when speaking after the 1-0 loss to Luton, but Liam Shaw remains some way off it appears, while Chey Dunkley still needs some minutes with the U23s and Osaze Urhoghide’s readiness to return to senior action remains unknown.

Add to that the fact that Joost van Aken will now miss Wednesday’s next three games following his straight red at Hillsborough over the weekend (unless the club decide to appeal), and Monk is left with Aden Flint and Julian Börner as pretty much his only two options.

It remains to be seen whether his predicament will lead to a change in formation for the SWFC boss, but there is also a chance that he may opt to use Liam Palmer – who is back from a minor back injury now – on the right side of a three-man defence with Börner on the left and Flint in the middle.

Elsewhere, it’s been explained that the Rotherham and Wycombe games are likely to come too soon for midfield lynchpin, Massimo Luongo, although there is some hope that Chelsea loanee, Izzy Brown, could potentially make his return to action.

Joost van Aken is now suspended for Sheffield Wednesday. (Pic Steve Ellis)Joost van Aken is now suspended for Sheffield Wednesday. (Pic Steve Ellis)
Joost van Aken is now suspended for Sheffield Wednesday. (Pic Steve Ellis)
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The Owls face Rotherham at the New York Stadium at 7.45pm on Wednesday night, and fans will be hoping they finally have some good news on the injury front when Monk names his starting XI an hour before kickoff.

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